Deep Dish Wheels For 240sx: Fitment Guide

So, you're looking to slap some deep dish wheels on your 240SX? Excellent choice! There's nothing quite like that aggressive stance. But before you go clicking "buy," let's talk fitment. Getting it wrong can lead to rubbing, damaged fenders, or even unsafe handling. Think of me as your friendly pit crew, here to guide you through the process.

The Challenge: It's Not a Bolt-On Affair

Unlike some cars where you can just swap wheels and go, the 240SX (especially the S13 and S14 chassis) requires a bit more finesse when dealing with significantly wider, deep-dish wheels. The main issues you'll encounter are:

Fender Clearance: The factory fenders aren't exactly generous. Deep dish wheels often extend beyond the stock fender line, leading to rubbing, especially when turning or hitting bumps.
Suspension Clearance: The inner wheel lip or tire sidewall can interfere with your suspension components, like coilovers, struts, or control arms.
Wheel Offset (ET): This is the distance from the wheel's center line to its mounting surface. A low offset (even a negative one) pushes the wheel outwards, contributing to the "deep dish" look but also exacerbating fender clearance issues.
Wheel Width: Obviously, a wider wheel is going to take up more space. It's a major factor in both fender and suspension clearance.
Tire Size: This is directly related to the wheel width. You need the correct tire size to avoid stretching or bulging, and to ensure proper handling.

Finding the Right Fit: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Measure, Measure, Measure!

Before you even think about ordering wheels, get out your measuring tools. You'll need:

Measuring Tape or Ruler: For measuring fender clearances and distances between suspension components.
Angle Finder or Smart Level: To determine the angle of your fenders (important for rolling or pulling).
Jack and Jack Stands: To safely lift the car and get a clear view of the suspension.

Here's what to measure:

Fender Lip to Hub Face: With the car on the ground, measure the distance from the inside edge of the fender lip to the wheel mounting surface (hub face). Do this at multiple points around the fender (top, middle, bottom). This will give you a rough idea of how much "poke" you can get away with.
Suspension Clearance: With the car jacked up and the wheel removed, measure the distance between the inner wheel well (where the wheel would be) and any suspension components. Check at different suspension compression levels (simulate this by lowering the jack slightly).
Brake Caliper Clearance: Make sure the wheel's inner barrel will clear your brake calipers, especially if you have upgraded to larger ones. Templates for different wheel designs can often be found online.

Pro Tip: Take pictures! Documenting your measurements will be invaluable later when comparing wheel specs.

2. Understand Wheel Offset (ET)

Wheel offset (ET) is measured in millimeters. A positive offset means the mounting surface is closer to the outside of the wheel (wheels are tucked in more). A negative offset means the mounting surface is closer to the inside of the wheel (wheels stick out more – desirable for deep dish). A zero offset means the mounting surface is exactly in the middle of the wheel.

Example: A wheel with an ET of +30 will sit further inward than a wheel with an ET of +15.

Crucial Information: Lower offsets, while achieving the desired look, will require more aggressive fender modifications.

3. Calculate and Simulate

Once you have your measurements and understand offset, you can use online wheel offset calculators to simulate how a new wheel will fit compared to your existing wheels. Enter your current wheel specs (width, offset, tire size) and the specs of the wheels you're considering. The calculator will show you how much further the new wheel will extend outwards or inwards.

Where to find stock wheel specs? A quick Google search for "240SX stock wheel specs" will give you the information you need.

4. The "Test Fit" Approach (Highly Recommended)

The absolute best way to ensure a perfect fit is to test fit a wheel before buying a whole set. This might involve:

Borrowing a wheel: See if a friend or local car club member has a wheel with similar specs that you can temporarily bolt onto your car.
Buying a used wheel: Purchase a single used wheel online with the specs you're considering. If it fits, you can then order a matching set.
Using a Wheel Spacer: While not ideal for long-term use, wheel spacers can temporarily simulate a different offset. Be cautious using spacers and make sure they are hub-centric and high quality. Cost: Decent hub-centric spacers can range from $50-$150 per pair.

5. Fender Modifications: The Inevitable Reality

Let's be honest: if you're going for a truly deep dish look on a 240SX, you're probably going to need to modify your fenders. Common options include:

Fender Rolling: Using a fender roller tool (which can be rented or purchased) to bend the inner fender lip upwards and outwards. This creates more clearance without significantly altering the fender's overall shape. Cost: Renting a fender roller can cost around $50-$100. Paying a professional to roll your fenders can range from $50-$100 per fender.
Fender Pulling: Using a combination of heat and force to stretch the entire fender outwards. This provides more clearance than rolling, but it can also distort the fender's shape if not done carefully. Cost: Professional fender pulling can cost $100-$200 per fender.
Fender Flares/Overfenders: Attaching wider fender flares or overfenders to completely cover the wheels. This is the most extreme option and requires cutting and welding. Cost: Flare/Overfender kits can range from $200-$1000+, depending on the material and style. Installation by a professional body shop can easily cost $500-$2000+.

Important Note: When modifying your fenders, be extremely careful not to damage the paint. Using heat properly and working slowly is key. Consider having a professional do the work if you're not comfortable with these techniques.

6. Choosing the Right Tires

Tire size is crucial for both aesthetics and performance. You want a tire that:

Fits the wheel width: Too narrow of a tire on a wide wheel will create a "stretched" look, which can be dangerous. Too wide of a tire can cause rubbing and poor handling. Consult a tire size chart to find the recommended tire widths for your wheels.
Doesn't rub: Even with fender modifications, you need to choose a tire size that clears the fenders, especially when turning.
Provides good grip and handling: Choose tires that are appropriate for your driving style and the type of roads you typically drive on.

Popular Tire Sizes for Deep Dish Setups (as a starting point - these will vary based on wheel width and offset):

17x9" Wheels: 215/40R17, 225/45R17, 235/40R17
18x9.5" Wheels: 225/40R18, 235/40R18, 245/35R18

Important Tip: Read online forums and see what tire sizes other 240SX owners are running with similar wheel specs. Their experiences can be invaluable.

7. Don't Forget the Little Things

These often get overlooked, but they're important for a proper installation:

Hub-Centric Rings: If the center bore of your new wheels is larger than the hub of your 240SX, you'll need hub-centric rings to properly center the wheel and prevent vibrations.
Lug Nuts: Make sure you have the correct lug nuts for your wheels. Some aftermarket wheels require special lug nuts with a conical seat.
Alignment: After installing new wheels and tires, it's essential to get a proper wheel alignment. This will ensure even tire wear and optimal handling. Cost: An alignment typically costs $75-$150.

Tools You'll Likely Need

Beyond the measuring tools mentioned earlier, here's a list of tools you'll probably need:

Jack and Jack Stands
Lug Wrench
Torque Wrench
Socket Set
Wrench Set
Fender Roller (if rolling fenders)
Heat Gun (if pulling fenders)

The Bottom Line: Patience is Key

Fitting deep dish wheels on a 240SX is a project that requires careful planning, accurate measurements, and often, some fender modifications. Don't rush the process. Take your time, do your research, and don't be afraid to ask for help from experienced enthusiasts. With a little effort, you can achieve that perfect stance and turn heads wherever you go. Good luck, and happy motoring!